This is Gymnocladus dioicus, the Kentucky coffeetree. There’s a line of them at the Piet Oudolf garden at the Hauser + Wirth Gallery in Somerset. Apparently they come into leaf late and drop their leaves early, so presumably Mr Oudolf chose them for their architectural quality. The seeds can be roasted to make a coffee substitute, apparently.

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About Me

I'm a gardening writer, based in Bath. Until a couple of years ago I was based in London, where I didn't have a garden. I sought out other people's gardens, big and small, and documented them on this blog. I now have a space to call my own, but that doesn't stop me peering over fences and through garden gates, searching for ideas and inspiration. I hope you enjoy my findings! -Veronica Peerless